Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang

Built from 1406 until 1420 by 3rd Ming Emperor Yongle, the Forbidden City served as home for the Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty. The name Forbidden City exists, because this place was off-limits to the population for more than 500 years. This rule only was changed in 1924.

With 720´000 square meters total area and 150´000 square meters of buildings, all buildings of the Forbidden City have a total of 9999 rooms. Only celestial temples were supposed to have 10´000 rooms, so that´s why the numbers of rooms are somehow limited.

Usually half a day is enough to visit the Forbidden City. However, those who are interested in the details, can definitely spend more time there.

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